U.S. patent application number 12/978139 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-18 for passenger side active knee bolster.
Invention is credited to Raj S. Roychoudhury.
Application Number | 20110198827 12/978139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44369102 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110198827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roychoudhury; Raj S. |
August 18, 2011 |
PASSENGER SIDE ACTIVE KNEE BOLSTER
Abstract
An energy management system for mounting in a vehicle, the
energy management system comprising an inflatable bolster for
mounting in a glove box door of a glove box of the vehicle, the
inflatable bolster including an expansible hollow interior, an
inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow interior, a
front wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and away from
the glove box on inflation of the expansible hollow interior, and a
back wall located between the expansible hollow interior and the
glove box, and a support structure for mounting to the inflatable
bolster, the support structure being operable to resist the back
wall being forced into the glove box due to inflation of the
inflatable bolster.
Inventors: |
Roychoudhury; Raj S.;
(Bloomfield Hills, MI) |
Family ID: |
44369102 |
Appl. No.: |
12/978139 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61290069 |
Dec 24, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/730.2 ;
29/428; 296/37.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
B60R 21/02 20130101; B60R 7/06 20130101; B60R 2021/0051
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/730.2 ;
296/37.12; 29/428 |
International
Class: |
B60R 21/16 20060101
B60R021/16; B60R 7/06 20060101 B60R007/06; B23P 11/00 20060101
B23P011/00 |
Claims
1. An energy management system for mounting in a vehicle, the
energy management system comprising: an inflatable bolster for
mounting in a glove box door of a glove box of the vehicle, the
inflatable bolster including an expansible hollow interior, an
inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow interior, a
front wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and away from
the glove box on inflation of the expansible hollow interior, and a
back wall located between the expansible hollow interior and the
glove box; and a support structure for mounting to the inflatable
bolster, the support structure being operable to resist the back
wall being forced into the glove box due to inflation of the
inflatable bolster.
2. The energy management system as defined in claim 1 wherein the
support structure comprises: an internal support structure for
mounting in the expansible hollow interior; and an external support
structure for mounting outside the expansible hollow interior;
wherein the internal support structure is engaged with the external
support structure to form a unitary support structure that is
operable to resist bending due to the force of inflation of the
inflatable bolster.
3. The energy management system as defined in claim 2 wherein: the
internal support structure comprises a first internal support strip
and a second internal support strip; and the external support
structure comprises a first external support strip and a second
external support strip; wherein the first internal support strip
and the first external support strip are engaged; and the second
internal support strip and the second external support strip are
engaged.
4. The energy management system as define in claim 3 wherein: the
first external support strip comprises a first hinged end and a
first free end, and the second external support strip comprises a
second hinged end and a second free end; the first hinged end and
the second hinged end are hingedly secure to a front dash panel of
the vehicle such that the glove box door is operable to open and
close; and the first free end and the second free end comprises a
latching mechanism for engaging the first free end and the second
free end with the front dash panel of the vehicle to hold the glove
box door closed, the latching mechanism being disengageable to open
the glove box door to provide access to the glove box, wherein the
latching mechanism is operable to remain engaged during inflation
of the inflatable bolster.
5. The energy management system as defined in claim 4 wherein: the
inflatable bolster is configured to inflate in a direction
substantially orthogonal to the front wall; and, the latching
mechanism is disengaged by being moved in a direction substantially
orthogonal to the expansion direction of the inflatable
bolster.
6. The energy management system as defined in claim 5 wherein: the
internal support structure and the external support structure are
metal.
7. The energy management system as defined in claim 6 wherein: the
external support structure comprises a combined total strip area
facing the back wall of the inflatable bolster; the back wall has a
total back wall area; and the combined total strip area is less
than half the total back wall area.
8. The energy management system as defined in claim 7 wherein the
combined total strip area is less than a fifth of the total back
wall area.
9. The energy management system as defined in claim 7 wherein the
inflatable bolster further comprises a vent aperture for
facilitating deflation of the inflatable bolster, the vent aperture
being dimensioned such that the internal support structure is
insertable via the vent aperture.
10. The energy management system as defined in claim 9 wherein the
vent aperture comprises a first vent dimensioned such that the
first internal support strip is insertable via the first vent; and
a second vent dimensioned such that the second internal support
strip is insertable via the second vent.
11. The energy management system as defined in claim 10, wherein
the glove box door comprises a substantially planar glove box
surface and reinforcing ribs extending substantially
perpendicularly from the glove box door, wherein the ribs are
operable to reinforce the glove box door, and are operable to
crumble on inflation of the inflatable bolster pushing the glove
box door out of the glove box.
12. A method of assembling an energy management system for mounting
in a vehicle, the method comprising: providing an inflatable
bolster for mounting in a glove box door of a glove box of the
vehicle, the inflatable bolster including an expansible hollow
interior, an inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow
interior, a front wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and
away from the glove box on inflation of the expansible hollow
interior, a back wall located between the expansible hollow
interior and the glove box; and a vent aperture for facilitating
deflation of the inflatable bolster; providing an internal support
structure, and an external support structure; inserting the
internal support structure into the expansible hollow interior via
the vent aperture; and engaging the internal support structure with
the external support structure to form a unitary support structure
that is operable to bending due to a force of inflation of the
inflatable bolster.
13. An energy management system and glove box compartment for
mounting in a vehicle, the energy management system and glove box
compartment comprising: a glove box for mounting in the vehicle,
the glove box having a glove box door and a glove box interior
dimension; an inflatable bolster for mounting in the glove box door
of the glove box, the inflatable bolster including an expansible
hollow interior, an inflator module for inflating the expansible
hollow interior, a front wall for projecting inwardly into the
vehicle and away from the glove box on inflation of the expansible
hollow interior, and a back wall located between the expansible
hollow interior and the glove box; and, a support structure for
mounting to the inflatable bolster, the support structure having a
support structure dimension larger than the glove box dimension,
and spanning the glove box dimension, the support structure being
operable to the back wall being forced into the glove box due to
inflation of the inflatable bolster.
14. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises: an
internal support structure for mounting in the expansible hollow
interior; and an external support structure for mounting outside
the expansible hollow interior; wherein the internal support
structure is engaged with the external support structure to form a
unitary support structure that is operable to resist bending due to
the force of inflation of the inflatable bolster.
15. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 2 wherein: the internal support structure
comprises a first internal support strip and a second internal
support strip; and the external support structure comprises a first
external support strip and a second external support strip; wherein
the first internal support strip and the first external support
strip are engaged; and the second internal support strip and the
second external support strip are engaged.
16. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 3 wherein: the first external support strip
comprises a first hinged end and a first free end, and the second
external support strip comprises a second hinged end and a second
free end; the first hinged end and the second hinged end are
hingedly secured to a front dash panel of the vehicle such that the
glove box door is operable to pivot about the first hinged end and
the second hinged end to open and close; and the first free end and
the second free end comprises a latching mechanism for latching the
first free end and the second free end to the front dash panel of
the vehicle to hold the glove box door closed, the latching
mechanism being disengageable to such that the glove box door is
operable to pivot about the first hinged end and the second hinged
end to open to provide access to the glove box, wherein the
latching mechanism is operable to remain latched to the front dash
panel of the vehicle during inflation of the inflatable
bolster.
17. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 4 wherein: the inflatable bolster is configured to
inflate in a direction substantially orthogonal to the front wall;
and, the latching mechanism is disengagable by being moved in a
direction substantially orthogonal to the expansion direction of
the inflatable bolster.
18. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 5 wherein: the internal support structure and the
external support structure are metal.
19. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 6 wherein: the external support structure
comprises a combined total strip area facing the back wall of the
inflatable bolster; the back wall has a total back wall area; and
the combined total strip area is less than half the total back wall
area.
20. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 7 wherein the combined total strip area is less
than a fifth of the total back wall area.
21. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 7 wherein the inflatable bolster further comprises
a vent aperture for facilitating deflation of the inflatable
bolster, the vent aperture being dimensioned such that the internal
support structure is insertable via the vent aperture.
22. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 9 wherein the vent aperture comprises a first vent
dimensioned such that the first internal support strip is
insertable via the first vent; and a second vent dimensioned such
that the second internal support strip is insertable via the second
vent.
23. The energy management system and glove box compartment as
defined in claim 10, wherein the glove box door comprises a
substantially planar glove box surface and reinforcing ribs
extending substantially perpendicularly from the glove box door,
wherein the ribs are operable to reinforce the glove box door, and
are operable to crumble on inflation of the inflatable bolster
pushing the glove box door out of the glove box.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/290,069, filed Dec. 24, 2009,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to energy management systems
and more particularly to an energy management system located within
an operable glove box door at a passenger side of a vehicle for a
frontal impact event.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Inflatable bolsters have been developed to improve vehicle
occupant protection in the event of sudden vehicle deceleration. A
conventional bolster is mounted within a vehicle passenger
compartment and includes a hollow body and an inflator for
injecting a pressurized fluid into the hollow body. In order to
reduce the potential for injuries the inflator is activated upon
detection of such an event and the bolster is inflated to form a
cushion.
[0004] Known in the art are the following patent and patent
applications which disclose inflatable bolsters and like: U.S. Pat.
No. 6,032,978, U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,057, U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,497,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,710, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,103, U.S. Pat. No.
6,578,867, U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,689, U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,493, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,976,706, U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,852, US2007/0108747,
US2009/0152848, US2009/0250915, WO2006/132990, WO2009/124394,
WO2009/124395, and WO2009/124401.
[0005] One prior passenger side active knee bolster comprises a
storage bin and a hinging door. The door comprises a polymeric
expansible body having a face portion towards a vehicle occupant
and a back portion in opposing relation. The expansible body is
connected to an inflator such that upon discharge of a gas, the
face portion is projected outwardly to an extended position so as
to intercept lower extremities of the occupant.
[0006] While such a construction may provide a desired degree of
protection there is a need for a means to meet space restrictions
on the passenger side of the vehicle and a need to meet interior
design flexibility, glove box storage capacity and appearance
requirements. Current safety devices present vehicle packaging
difficulties and may not represent the most cost effective
approaches to protecting occupants of a vehicle.
[0007] While such a construction may provide a desired degree of
protection there is a need for a means to reduce occupant injuries
in out of position situations. Current safety devices present
dangers because of high output inflators employed for their
inflation.
[0008] The passenger side active knee bolster of the present
invention addresses these requirements. The improved functionality
arises from an increase in internal glove box volume by minimizing
inflatable chamber thickness of the glove box door assembly through
support structure design. It is advantageous to have a reduced
initial bladder volume requiring a lower inflator output.
[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the description provided hereinafter. It
should be understood that the description and specific examples,
while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention are
intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with the principles of the present invention
shown with an injection molded outer trim panel;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention shown with an injection molded outer trim panel;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the present
invention, shown with an injection molded outer trim panel.
[0016] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C are perspective and sectional views of a
passenger side active bolster in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention shown with an injection molded outer trim
panel;
[0017] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C are perspective and sectional views of a
passenger side active bolster in accordance with another embodiment
of the of the present invention shown with an injection molded
outer trim panel;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention shown with an injection molded outer trim panel;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with the principles of the present invention
shown with an injection molded outer trim panel;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention shown with an injection molded outer trim panel;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention shown with an injection molded outer trim panel;
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention with a skin and frame; and
[0023] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a passenger side active
bolster in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention with a frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0025] In FIG. 1 the integration of the passenger side knee bolster
consisting of a glove box assembly 10 within the front dash panel
11 of a vehicle 12 interior 13 is shown. A passenger seat 14 is
located opposing a glove box door 15 which is part of the dash
panel 11. The glove box door portion 15 can be opened by a remote
latching mechanism or a latching mechanism incorporated in the
glove box door as is known to those skilled in the art.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 2 the glove box assembly 10 includes
a rigid bin portion 16 that extends away from the door portion 15.
A stopper 17 on the bin portion 16 limits motion of the door in its
closed position. A striker member 18 projects from the external
support structure 51 (which is not visible) through the bin portion
16. The striker member 18 may engage a corresponding latching
mechanism (not shown) to hold the door portion 15 closed. The bin
portion preferentially has a recessed cavity surface 19 with end
walls 20 and sidewalls 21 that provides increased storage capacity
than would be otherwise provided. A protrusion 22 with sidewalls 23
and end walls 24 on the rigid bin portion advantageously divides
the bin portion 16 into two sections. The door portion 15 is
constructed through selection of material and wall thickness to
provide and tune the desired aesthetic and functional
stiffness.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of one of the preferred
embodiments of the passenger side active bolster glove box assembly
10. On the back surface 25 of the door portion 15, ribs 26 with
substantially vertical wall protrusions 27 from the back surface 25
of the door portion 15. In other words, the wall protrusions extend
in a substantially orthogonal or perpendicular manner from the back
surface 25 of the door portion 15. The ribs 26 preferentially form
a grid pattern. The vertical wall protrusions 27 may be of varying
cross-section. A reduction in cross-section in the vertical wall
protrusions 27 may be advantageously friable during the inflation
process. In other words, portions of the protrusions 27 may crumble
during inflation of the bolster, to reduce the force of the door
portion 15 pushed by the expansion of the bolster, contacting the
passenger. There may be an indent on the top surface 28 of the rib
26 that upon fastening to the bladder 40 forms a hollow area. It
may be desirable to have a hollow area between bladder 40 and door
portion 15 that are in communication with each other to allow for
pressure equalization. The sidewalls 29 of the door portion may
have snap features 30 to engage mating snaps 31 on the unexposed
inner surface 32 of bin portion 16. Protrusion forms 33 on the door
portion 15 may be placed to engage clip towers 34. The
corresponding mating surfaces 33, 34 may be optionally reversed
between the door portion 15 and the bin portion 16.
[0028] The door portion 15 is preferably made by a thermoplastic
molding process preferably an injection molding process with a
filled or unfilled thermoplastic material preferably polypropylene,
TPO, ABS, PC/ABS or PA. Non-petroleum based bio materials such as
PLA may be used. Organic materials such as wood flour may be used
as a filler or reinforcing material.
[0029] The door portion 15 may be advantageously of non-uniform
thickness to adjust stiffness. Thickness reduction may include
serrations to allow tearing during the deployment process.
[0030] In another embodiment, it is desirable that the door portion
15 be a thermoplastic cover that is chemically compatible with the
bladder 40 for welding purposes. The preferred method of attachment
of door portion 15 with bladder 40 is bonding upon infrared (IR)
heating. Other bonding methods may be used including but not
limited to hot plate welding, radio frequency heating, vibration
welding, or ultrasonic welding
[0031] In another embodiment mechanical fasteners or adhesives may
be used to attach door portion 15 to bladder 40.
[0032] The bin portion 16 is preferably is made by a thermoplastic
molding process preferably an injection molding process with a
filled or unfilled thermoplastic material preferably polypropylene,
TPO, ABS, PC/ABS or PA. Non-petroleum based bio materials such as
PLA may be used. Organic materials such as wood flour may be used
as a filler material.
[0033] The inflatable bolster portion 40, which may be referred to
as the bladder 40, has an expansible hollow interior. Preferably
pleats 41, ribs, or corrugations are located in the perimeter of
the back wall 42 of bladder 40 to allow a larger volume to be
realized upon inflation. The expansible hollow interior of bladder
40 may be configured to inflate in a direction substantially
orthogonal to the passenger facing surface of the glove box door
15. A cylindrical protrusion 43 engages an inflator module 44,
retaining nut 45 and impinging gas deflection cap 46.
[0034] In another embodiment the nut 45 is affixed to the impinging
deflection cap 46 for the described assembly.
[0035] The glove box door assembly 10 may be operatively connected
to at least one gas-emitting unit 44. The inflator module 44 is
operable to inflate the expansible hollow interior of bladder 40.
Preferably it is a cold gas, pyrotechnic inflator or hybrid
inflator 44. The invention advantageously uses lower powered units.
The glove box assembly 10 advantageously has an outward and upward
deployment pattern toward an occupant during a frontal impact event
upon the activation of inflator 44.
[0036] The bladder 40 is preferably made by the blow molding
process from a thermoplastic. The preferred plastic is a polyolefin
with elastic properties, in a wide range of operating temperatures,
appropriate for deployment such as from Salflex Polymers with the
designation Salflex.TM. 245.
[0037] Vent holes 48 are located in the bladder 40. Corresponding
vent holes 48 are located on the lower sidewall 47 of door portion
15. Additional vent holes 48 or venting features may be located on
the surfaces of the bladder 40 preferably on the lower sidewall 47
and the bin facing surface 42.
[0038] An internal or inner support structure 50, preferably
channel shaped, is inserted in the bladder through a vent hole
aperture 48 of similar shape to the inner support structure 50. In
an embodiment the bladder 40 is made of a flexible material. The
flexible material of the bladder 40 can allow for the deformation
of the vent aperture 48 to accommodate entry of the inner support
structure 50. Where the material of the bladder 40 is flexible, the
vent aperture 48 does not need to match exactly the profile of the
inner support structure 50. In an embodiment the support structure
50, 51 is made of metal. The inner support structure 50 is
centrally positioned between the inflatable rib structures so as
not to impede the extension of the pleats 41. An external or outer
support structure 51 is preferably mechanically affixed to the
internal support structure. In an embodiment, the striker feature
18 is mechanically affixed to the external support structure 51. In
an embodiment the inner support structure 50 comprises two internal
support strips 50 and the outer support structure 51 comprises two
external support strips 51.
[0039] In an embodiment, with the vent hole 48 arrangement as shown
in FIG. 3, the bladder 40 is advantageously protected and not
subject to having foreign materials or objects entering the
expansible hollow interior or internal structure of bladder 40. The
downward orientation of the vent holes 48 advantageously allows for
drainage of condensation or liquids that may get into the bladder
40.
[0040] The venting is advantageously adaptive by requiring a lower
inflation output from the inflator 44 and providing a longer
inflation retention period. In an embodiment the vent 48 is
configured to release gas or air slowly to facilitate rapid
expansion during inflation, despite the small volume of the
expansible hollow interior of bladder 40, and also to provide a
longer inflation retention period.
[0041] The support structure 50, 51 provides mechanical support to
the bladder 40 during the deployment process causing the bladder 40
to expand away from the glove box and towards passenger seat 14 of
vehicle 12. The support structure 50, 51 can block the bladder 40
from being pushed into the glove box during deployment. The support
structure 50, 51 can also impede the bladder 40 from being
dislodged from the glove box during deployment. The lower end of
the external support 51 forms a hook 53 for the mating hinge
structure (not shown) for attachment to dash panel 11. This hook
may have a plastic element 54 made from a plastic preferably
fluoropolymer, acetal or polyamide to reduce wear of the contact
surface (not shown). The opposite end of the external support 51
can be a free end. The free end can have a latching mechanism 18,
56 that engages with the dash panel 11. In certain embodiments, as
shown, for example, in FIG. 3 the latching mechanism that engages
with the dash panel 11 is the striker 18. In certain embodiments,
as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 5 the latching mechanism that
engages with the dash panel 11 is a pin 56.
[0042] During deployment of the bladder 40, the glove box assembly
10 can be held in the front dash panel 11 by the external support
structure 51 (as shown in FIG. 3), 151 (as shown in FIG. 4), 252
(as shown in FIG. 5) with hook 53 and striker 18 (as shown in FIGS.
2, 3, 6B, and 11) or pin 56 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The hook
53 may engage with the mating hinge structure (not shown) of the
dash panel 11. For embodiments as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 6B, and 11,
the striker 18 may engage with a corresponding latching mechanism
(not shown) on the dash panel 11. For embodiments as shown in FIGS.
4 and 5 the pin 56 may engage with a pin receptor in the mating
surface (not shown) on the dash panel 11.
[0043] The latching mechanism 18, 56 can engage the free end(s) of
the external support 51 to the dash panel 11. When the latching
mechanism 18, 56 is engaged, the glove box door 15 is closed and
can remain closed until the latching mechanism 18, 56 is
disengaged. When the latching mechanism 18, 56 is disengaged the
glove box door 15 can be opened to provide access to the glove
box.
[0044] When the latching mechanism 18, 56 is engaged, the latching
mechanism 18, 56 is operable to prevent the glove box door 15 from
opening during deployment of the bladder 40. When the latching
mechanism 18, 56 is being disengaged, the latching mechanism 18, 56
is preferably moved in a direction substantially orthogonal to the
expansion direction of the bladder 40.
[0045] In certain embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3
where the latching mechanism is a striker 18 the engaging feature
of the striker 18 can be oriented to extend in a direction
substantially orthogonal to the direction of inflation the bladder
140, 240. To disengage the striker 18 from the dash panel 11 the
striker 18 or the corresponding latching mechanism (not shown)
moves substantially orthogonal to the direction of inflation of the
bladder 140, 240.
[0046] In certain embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4
and 5 where the latching mechanism is a pin 56. The pin 56 can be
oriented in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction
of inflation of the bladder 140, 240. To disengage the pin 56 from
the dash panel 11 the pin 56 or the corresponding pin receptor (not
shown) can move substantially orthogonal to the direction of
inflation of the bladder 140, 240.
[0047] Other hinge means (not shown) known to those skilled in the
art including but not limited to living hinges, or piano hinges
that can be integrally molded to the glove box assembly or
mechanically attached as appropriate.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of another embodiment. The
external support structure 151 has a section 55 with a pin 56. The
bladder 140 has a depression 57 in the pleat 41 to accommodate
section 55 and pin 56. This embodiment eliminates the need to use
striker 18 as shown in FIG. 2 and uses the pin 56 that enters a pin
receptor in the mating surface (not shown) to keep the glove box
assembly 10 in the closed position.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of another embodiment. The
external support structure 252 has a top end section 58 with a pin
56. The bladder 240 has a depression in the pleat 41 to accommodate
the section 55 and pin 56. This embodiment eliminates the need to
use a striker 18 as shown in FIG. 2 and uses the pin 56 that enters
a pin receptor in the mating surface (not shown) to keep the glove
box assembly 10 in the closed position.
[0050] FIG. 6A shows a perspective of the bolster glove box
assembly 10 with cross-sectional view A-A of the preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 6B and cross-sectional view B-B of the
preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6C. The internal details of the
bin portion are shown. Ribs 62 on surface 32 may protrude into the
hollows formed between the inner surface 32 of the bin portion 16
and the bladder portion 40 of pleats 41. A guide way is formed by
guides 61 of the bladder 40 to provide positioned installation of
the inner support structure 50. Upon insertion of the inner support
structure 50 through the vent hole aperture 48, the inner support
structure 50 is engaged with the external support structure 51 by
folding the end 60 to form a unified support structure 50, 51
sandwiching the bladder 40.
[0051] FIG. 7A shows a perspective of the bolster glove box
assembly 10 with cross-sectional view A-A of another embodiment
shown in FIG. 7B and cross-sectional view B-B of the preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 7C. The internal details of the bin
portion are shown. Ribs 63 may protrude inward away from the inner
surface 25 of the door portion 15. End wall ribs 64 may protrude
outward from the bladder 40. The deployment distance and volume may
be advantageously increased by using multiple surfaces of the
bladder 40. With this embodiment, the bladder 40 at the locations
of ribs 63, 64 would not be bonded to the inner wall 25 of the door
panel 15 to take advantage of this additional design flexibility.
The occupant facing surface of the bladder 40 may be advantageously
stiffened by ribs 63.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
invention. The bin portion 116 has a protruding side 65 and end
wall sections 66 forming an open ended container with a division
from the protrusion 22. The container forms a space for an occupant
to place or store items.
[0053] FIG. 9 shows the glove box assembly 200 that includes a
rigid bin portion 216 that extends away from the door portion 15. A
striker member 18 projects from the support structure 251 through
the bin portion 216. The striker member 18 may engage a
corresponding latching mechanism (not shown) to hold the door
portion 15 in place. The bin portion 216 has molded-in key slots
217 (not shown) that match with key features (not shown) on the
external support structure 251.
[0054] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention. A
key slot 217 holds bin portion 216 to the external support
structure 251.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows yet another embodiment of the invention. The
glove box assembly 300 that includes a rigid bin portion 316 that
extends away from the door portion 15. A striker member 18 projects
from the bladder 40 through the bin portion 316. The striker member
18 may engage a corresponding latching mechanism (not shown) to
hold the door portion. It may be advantageous to use the bin
portion as the reaction surface to the bladder 40 upon the
activation of an inflator 44. The rigid bin portion 316 is not
restricted to one form and may be configured with forms such as
with a storage feature as described with the alternate bin
structure 116 that has storage capacity.
[0056] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the invention with a
skin 415 as the appearance surface viewed by the occupant. Skin 415
is affixed to bin portion 416 preferably by a welding process. A
frame 419 is affixed to the bin portion 416 preferably by a welding
process to hide any gaps on the sidewalls of the bonded assembly.
An alternate embodiment of the glove box assembly 400 includes
removing the internal support structures 50, 51 relying on the bin
portion 416 to be the reaction surface of the deploying bladder
40.
[0057] An alternate embodiment to the assembly bin portion 416 is a
structure with protruding walls for a storage container as
previously disclosed and shown in FIG. 8.
[0058] The skin 415 may be a thermoplastic piece such as
polypropylene, TPO, or PVC, a woven fabric from natural or
synthetic materials, a synthetic leather, a composite leather of
natural and man made components or a leather.
[0059] The skin 415 may be affixed to the bladder 40 by an in-mold,
blow molding process. The skin may be advantageously perforated to
eliminate air entrapment during the molding process. The skin may
be serrated to eliminate air entrapment and to advantageously
enable tearing during deployment.
[0060] The skin 415 may be formed independently by a molding
process including injection molding, compression molding or
thermoforming.
[0061] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the glove box assembly 500
having a frame 419 to hide potential gaps from the bonding of the
bladder 40 to the bin portion 416. The occupant sees the show
surface of the bladder 40. The show surface is preferably grained.
The show surface may be painted.
[0062] In accordance with an aspect of at least one embodiment of
the present invention, there is provided an energy management
system for mounting in a vehicle 12. For example, exemplary
embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 12, and 13. The
energy management system comprises an inflatable bolster 40 and a
support structure 50, 51. The inflatable bolster 40 is configured
to mount in a glove box door 15 of a glove box of the vehicle, and
includes an expansible hollow interior, an inflator module 44 for
inflating the expansible hollow interior by releasing a suitable
gas that can be stored under pressure in the inflator module 44, a
front wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle 12 and away
from the glove box 10 on inflation of the expansible hollow
interior, and a back wall 42 located between the expansible hollow
interior and the glove box. The support structure 50, 51 is
configured for mounting to the inflatable bolster 40. The support
structure 50, 51 is operable to resist the inflatable bolster 40
being dislodged from the glove box and resist the back wall 42
being forced into the glove box due to inflation of the inflatable
bolster 40.
[0063] In accordance with an aspect of a further embodiment of the
present invention, there is provided an energy management system
for mounting in a vehicle 10 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6B and
6C. The support structure 50, 51 comprises an internal support
structure 50 for mounting in the expansible hollow interior, and an
external support structure 51 for mounting outside the expansible
hollow interior. The internal support structure 50 can be engaged
with the external support structure 51 to form a unitary support
structure 50, 51 that is operable to resist bending due to the
force of inflation of the inflatable bolster 40.
[0064] The internal support structure 50 may comprise a first
internal support strip 50 and a second internal support strip 50,
as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, and 13. The
external support structure 51 may comprise a first external support
strip 51 and a second external support strip 51. The first internal
support strip 50 and the first external support strip 51 can be
engaged and the second internal support strip 50 and the second
external support strip 51 can be engaged.
[0065] The first external support strip 51 may comprise a first
hinged end 53 and a first free end, and the second external support
strip 51 may comprise a second hinged end 53 and a second free end.
The first hinged end 53 and the second hinged end 53 can be
hingedly secured to the front dash panel 11 of the vehicle 12 that
may permit the glove box door to open and close, allowing access to
the glove box. The first free end and the second free end may
comprise a latching mechanism 18, 56 for engaging the first free
end and the second free end with the front dash panel 11 of the
vehicle 12. The latching mechanism 18, 56 may permit the glove box
door 15 to remain closed. The latching mechanism 18, 56 may be
disengageable to permit the glove box door 15 to open to allow
access to the glove box. The latching mechanism 18, 56 may be
operable to remain engaged during inflation of the inflatable
bolster 40.
[0066] The inflatable bolster 40 can be configured to inflate in a
direction substantially orthogonal to the front wall. The latching
mechanism 18, 56 can be disengaged by being moved in a direction
substantially orthogonal to the expansion direction of the
inflatable bolster 40.
[0067] The internal support structure 50 and the external support
structure 51 can be metal.
[0068] The external support structure 51 has a combined total strip
area facing the back wall 42 of the inflatable bolster 40. The back
wall 42 has a total back wall area and the combined total strip
area may be less than half the total back wall area.
[0069] The combined total strip area can be less than a fifth of
the total back wall area.
[0070] The inflatable bolster 40 may comprise a vent aperture 48
for facilitating deflation of the inflatable bolster 40. The vent
aperture 48 can be dimensioned such that the internal support
structure 50 is insertable via the vent aperture 48, as shown, for
example, in FIGS. 3 and 6B.
[0071] The vent aperture 48 may comprise a first vent 48
dimensioned such that the first internal support strip 50 can be
inserted via the first vent 48, and a second vent 48 dimensioned
such that the second internal support strip 50 can be inserted via
the second vent 48.
[0072] Optionally, the glove box door 15 may comprise a
substantially planar glove box surface and reinforcing ribs 26
extending substantially perpendicularly from the glove box door 15.
The ribs 26 can be operable to reinforce the glove box door 15 and
can be operable to crumble on inflation of the inflatable bolster
40 that pushes the glove box door 15 out of the glove box.
[0073] In accordance with an aspect of at least one embodiment of
the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an
energy management system for mounting in a vehicle 10 as shown, for
example, in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 12, and 13. An inflatable bolster 40 for
mounting in a glove box door 15 of a glove box of the vehicle 10 is
provided. The inflatable bolster 40 can include an expansible
hollow interior, an inflator module 44 for inflating the expansible
hollow interior, a front wall for projecting inwardly into the
vehicle 10 and away from the glove box on inflation of the
expansible hollow interior, a back wall 42 located between the
expansible hollow interior and the glove box, and a vent aperture
48 for facilitating deflation of the inflatable bolster 40. An
internal support structure 50, and an external support structure 51
can be provided. The internal support structure 50 can be inserted
into the expansible hollow interior via the vent aperture 48. The
internal support structure 50 can be engaged with the external
support structure 51 to form a unitary support structure 50, 51.
The unitary support structure 50, 51 can be operable to resist the
inflatable bolster 40 being dislodged from the glove box and resist
bending due to a force of inflation of the inflatable bolster
40.
[0074] In accordance with an aspect of at least one embodiment of
the present invention, there is provided an energy management
system and glove box compartment for mounting in a vehicle 10 as
shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 12, and 13. The glove box can
have a glove box door and a glove box interior dimension. The
energy management system and glove box compartment may comprise an
inflatable bolster 40 for mounting in the glove box door 15 of the
glove box. The inflatable bolster 40 can include an expansible
hollow interior, an inflator module 44 for inflating the expansible
hollow interior, a front wall for projecting inwardly into the
vehicle 10 and away from the glove box on inflation of the
expansible hollow interior, and a back wall 42 located between the
expansible hollow interior and the glove box. The energy management
system and glove box compartment may comprise a support structure
50, 51 for mounting to the inflatable bolster 40. The support
structure 50, 51 may have a support structure dimension that is
larger than the glove box dimension, and the support structure 50,
51 can span the glove box dimension. The support structure 50, 51
can be operable to resist the inflatable bolster 40 being dislodged
from the glove box and resist the back wall 42 being forced into
the glove box due to inflation of the inflatable bolster 40.
[0075] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the
invention.
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